Andrew Marshall may be deep enough into adulthood to ease through a workout now and then — if he chose to do so — but that’s definitely not part of the 28-year-old’s makeup.

Order the Harrisburg City Islanders’ center back to take a day off and Marshall likely will be found somewhere banging a soccer ball off a wall or fine-tuning his touch. The Towson University grad also may stop by the gym for a run on the treadmill or hoist some free weights.

Marshall just can’t get enough of the game.

"If I could play soccer every day, I would do it. That’s what I want to do," says Marshall, a six-year veteran. "I can’t complain when I get the chance to play soccer."

JOHN C. WHITEHEAD, The Patriot-NewsEnjoying a terrific season for the Harrisburg City Islanders, center back Andrew Marshall nearly sneaked this headball past Los Angeles goalkeeper Jose Miranda.

So when Marshall does get the chance to lace up his cleats and step on the pitch, he willingly tracks opposing strikers ... or directs traffic with a point of the finger or a resolute verbal command ... or hustles forward to get into position whenever the City Islanders line up for a corner or dangerous restart.

And while Marshall typically embraces every assignment with enthusiasm, he’s likely to churn out quality effort after quality effort while doing so.

Much like he’s done all season.

Arguably Harrisburg’s most consistent performer, Marshall’s tireless performances centrally as a defensive anchor certainly have him in line for a spot on one of USL PRO’s all-league units.

He’s been that good for a talented yet enigmatic side that’s endured plenty of ups and downs.

"I always look to do the best I can," said Marshall, who collared second-team all-league laurels in 2009 as a third-year defender with Crystal Palace Baltimore. "I’ve been healthy more of this year [a broken foot cost him a sizable chunk of the 2011 season], so I’m happy with that.

"I’ve been healthy, strong and able to contribute," adds Marshall, who has posted one assist in 20 starts. "But it’s hard when you look at the big picture. We want to be at the top of the league, we want to be winning and have a chance for playoffs. That’s what I consider the real mark as to how a season has gone. Are we achieving as a team?"

Maybe. Maybe not.

Yet while the City Islanders have been on

The Patriot-NewsPassionate about the game of soccer, the Harrisburg City Islanders' Andrew Marshall just might be the USL PRO club's most consistent performer.

a season-long elevator ride, Marshall’s play at a position that demands consistency and continuity has been rock solid. Especially since he’s spent the year bouncing between four players — Dustin Bixler, Tom Brandt, Adrian LeRoy and Greg Jordan.

"He’s adapted well to whoever he’s played with," City Islanders head coach Bill Becher said of Marshall, who signed on with Harrisburg prior to last season. "And yeah, that’s not easy as a center back, to have a different person playing with him."

Not that big at 6-0 and 175 pounds, Marshall is nonetheless willing to bang with USL PRO’s husky strikers on the ground and in the air. But his vast experiences also have given him the ability to read game flow rapidly, allowing him a step on the opposition that frequently gets him to the ball first.

Scheduled to collide with the Los Angeles Blues (9-11-2, 29 points) in the first of two must-have affairs, Marshall won’t be able to play. Seems he’s piled up too many cautions (five) and will be forced to sit out a one-game suspension.

That means he’ll be parked uncomfortably in the stands.

Fortunately, it’s just one night.

"It’s tough to sit and watch," admits Marshall, who will serve as an assistant men’s soccer coach at York College once the season ends. "I’m looking at it from a positive standpoint. I may be sitting out [Friday night’s game], but I’ll be

SEAN SIMMERS, The Patriot-NewsTom Mellor was one of two Harrisburg City Islanders to land on USL PRO's latest team of the week.

coming in fresh on Sunday and providing a spark.

"I’m just looking at what I’ll be able to do more than not being able to play."

NOTES — Jordan and Tom Mellor landed on the latest USL PRO team of the week. ... Morgan Langley, Colin Zizzi, Bixler and LeRoy did not make the trip. ... Assistant coach Steve Widdowson, who opened his sixth training camp at D-II Millersville University on Monday, also did not travel. ... Langley (hip/groin), who was concerned about being diagnosed with a season-ending sports hernia, may return to the Harrisburg lineup if the City Islanders reach the playoffs and advance to the title game.

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